Kohl’s Expands Solar Program into PA

Reaching a milestone in its solar program, Kohl’s Department Stores has activated solar panels at its 100th solar location in Mays Landing, N.J. The retailer also announced plans to expand its solar program into Pennsylvania. The company currently has solar panels at select stores and distribution centers in California, Wisconsin, Connecticut, New Jersey, Maryland, Oregon and Colorado.

Solar is a part of the company’s energy management efforts to be carbon neutral by the end of 2010. Kohl’s estimates that energy management programs have helped prevent nearly $50 million in electricity costs, and over the past four years has improved the company’s energy efficiency by more than 20 percent primarily in stores.

Kohl’s began construction of its solar arrays on the rooftops of seven Pennsylvania stores in August, which is expected to be completed by March 2011. The eight locations combined are expected to generate more than 2.3 megawatts of power annually. On average, the 1,400 panels per location will supply nearly half of each store’s energy, preventing the emissions of more than 9 million pounds of carbon dioxide over 20 years.

Pennsylvania stores that are currently active or under construction include: